Pacific Islands get their climate moment with pre-COP meeting, but the guest list is thin

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Japan Today or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Pacific island nations are taking center stage ahead of COP31, with Australia hosting a pre-COP meeting in Tuvalu and Fiji from October 5–8
• The gathering is drawing limited participation from leaders outside the Pacific, frustrating governments that want greater attention to the climate risks facing vulnerable islands

🔭 The context: Only five leaders from outside the Pacific bloc have confirmed attendance: Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, the Maldives and Timor-Leste
• Around 30 country and institutional representatives are expected, while roughly 4,000 delegates will gather in Fiji to advance negotiations ahead of COP31 in Turkey in November
• Priorities include keeping the 1.5°C goal alive, protecting oceans and expanding climate-resilience finance.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Pacific islands face disproportionate exposure to sea-level rise and extreme weather despite contributing relatively little to global emissions
• Their push for resilience funding and faster emissions cuts highlights the gap between those most vulnerable to climate change and the countries responsible for much of the emissions

⏭️ What’s next: Leaders will visit Tuvalu, including projects designed to withstand rising seas and solar installations aimed at reducing diesel dependence, before signing a declaration in Fiji
• The outcome will feed into COP31 negotiations

💬 One quote: “Our fate will be defined by the major polluters.” — Maina Talia, Tuvalu’s climate minister.

📈 One stat: Around 4,000 delegates are expected in Fiji for the pre-COP meeting

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